Decoder and printer



Feb. 1, 1966 M. COOPER ETAL DECODER AND PRINTER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 21. 1960 REMOTE ALARM TRANSMITTER REMOTE ALARM TRANSMITTER CENTRAL RECEIVER I DIGITAL DECODER PRINTER R'EMOTE A LA RM TRANSMITTER EXTERNAL L ALARM INVENTORS. Marim/ C0%er n) Gar g9,

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INVENTORS. Marian 6220 JE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WNW mm rI||||||I WNW I I I I I I I I I WM N Filed Oct. 21, 1960 United States Patent 3,233,243 DECODER AND PRINTER Martin Cooper, Skokie, and Joseph Gardherg, Chicago,

Ill., assignors to Motorola, Inc., Chicago, Ill 21 corporation of Illinois Filed Oct. 21, 1960, Ser. No. 64,169 8 Claims. (Cl. 346-17) This invention relates generally to signal recording apparatus and in particular to a decoder-printer device which may be utilized to record messages in a radio alarm system.

In the known signal recording machine art, decoders have been used to actuate printers which print characters representing the signals received. However, such known devices have not been entirely satisfactory because of unreliable operation which may cause incorrect characters to be printed. Also, known decoder-printers have not been compatible with signals used in some systems, or have required very complex equipment to translate the signals into a recorded indication. For example, a recording device is required in a radio alarm system which may be used to indicate failures in an electric power network. This makes it possible for the operator to examine the record to determine which units of the network have failed. Such a radio alarm system is disclosed in Brugliera and Pepper-berg application Serial No. 42,535, filed July 13, 1960, now patent No. 3,149,317. In this radio alarm system tones are transmitted from the remote stations and it is essential that the decoderprinter apparatus responding to the tone pulsed signal is reliable and not susceptible to false or inaccurate operation. Also, compactness, mobility, and low cost are factors which are desirable in a decoder-printer.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide signal recording apparatus which is compatible with many signalling systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved decoder-printer which will decode a tone pulsed signal and print an identification code number corresponding to the transmitter which sent the signals.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a decoder-printer which is highly reliable yet relatively compact and portable.

A feature of the invention is the provision of a signal recording apparatus having a plurality of transistorized tone selective digit modules for actuating related solenoids which are coupled to digit actuators on a printer for registering and printing the digits.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a decoder-printer having a solenoid deck mounted on the printer for registering particular digits prior to printing and then actuating the printer through actuation by the decoder of a print solenoid. A further feature of the invention is the provision of a decoder-printer having a transistorized print module including a time delay circuit which responds to signals after a time delay for energizing a print solenoid to cause a previously registered number -to be printed.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical radio alarm system for indicating failures on an electric power network;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the decoder-printer used in the radio alarm system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the solenoid deck of the printer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view takenalong line 44 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic of the decoder-printer of the invention.

In practicing the invention, there is provided a decoderprinter which may be used in a radio alarm system suitable for use in an electric power network for locating failures thereon. In such radio alarm systems, a central receiver is used for demodulating tones from coded signals sent by a plurality of transmitters located at different remote points. Each transmitter has an identification code number which is transmitted in the form of coded tone signals when the transmitter is actuated. The tone signals are received by a central receiver and the demodulated audio tones from the receiver are applied to the decoder where signal amplification is provided prior to selective energization of a plurality of tone actuated switches. Each tone actuated switch represents a particular digit and the tone actuated switches are coupled respectively to a plurality of transistorized digit modules and provide actuating pulses thereto. Each digit module includes a Schmitt level comparator and a solenoid driver amplifier. When the input triggers the Schmitt comparator, a pulse of milliseconds duration is amplified in the driver amplifier to operate the digit solenoid. Triggering of the Schmitt comparator also charges the delay circuit of the print module. The digit solenoids, when energized, cause digit registration in the printer. If a pulse signal is not received within a time determined by the time delay circuit, this circuit actuates the print module which in turn energizes a print solenoid coupled to the actuator of the printer, thereby energizing the printer motor which causes the registered digits to be printed.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows in block diagram form a radio alarm system utilized for locating failures in an electric distribution network. A plurality of remote alarm transmitters 10 are strategically located in proximity to circuit interrupting devices such as reclosers along an electric distribution network. When a failure occurs in the power lines monitored by a particular transmitter unit, the circuit interrupting device energizes the related transmitter unit which transmits identifying code signals. These transmitted signals are received by central receiver 20. The receiver 20 demodulates the code signals which are applied to digital decoder 30 which may actuate an external alarm 49. The digital decoder 30 also provides energizing pulse signals corresponding to the received code signals to printer 50 which prints the identification number of the energized transmitter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of decoder 30 and printer 50 mounted thereon. Meter 32 indicates the level of the input signal applied to decoder 30. Indicator lamp 34 is lighted when a failure occurs in the power line network and lamp 38 is lighted when decoder 30 is energized. Reset button 36 mounted on the front panel of decoder 30 is used for resetting the external alarm circuit and the operation of the reset button will be explained subsequently. Printer 50 may be placed for convenience on top of decoder 30, as shown, or may be placed in any desired manner. The identification numbers are printed on the roll of paper 53. Thumb wheel 51 provides proper positioning and removal of paper on roll 53.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portion of the printer 50 showing the solenoid deck 69 and FIG. 4 is a crosssection view showing the solenoids. Ten solenoids 60 are provided which are mounted between plates 68 and 72. Plate 68 is attached to supporting plate 74 by mounting screws 7%. Each solenoid has a plunger 66 whichis associated with actuating means of the printer for one digit to be registered.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plastic spacer 78 is positioned below each solenoid coil. The spacer 78 is normally held against plate 68 by spring 76. However, when a solenoid is energized, the plunger 66 thereof moves the spacer 78 toward plate 74 and the spacer moves the pin 80. Pin

passes through cable 56 and protrusion 54 registers the digit in a known manner as in standard adding machines. The digit register and printing mechanism of the printer are similar to those used in standard adding machines. However, the solenoid deck 619 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is used for registering the digits through electrical pulses instead of manual registration as normally used.

In addition to the solenoids 611 for registering the digits to be printed, solenoid 52 is provided to operate the print mechanism of the machine. This initiates operation of a motor to provide the printing action as is well known.

FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic of the decoder used in the recording system. Coded audio tones from the network reoeiver are applied through input terminals 1% and 1132 and transformer 104 of decoder 30. Potentiometer- 1% adjusts the level of the input audio signal. The audio signal is applied through lead 1118 to tone amplifier and the audio signal is also applied through lead 112 to meter amplifier 114. The output of meter amplifier 114 is applied to meter 32 which indicates the level of the incoming signal and potentiometer 106 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the level of the input signal.

The output of tone amplifier 110 is applied through leads 116 and 118 to the tone actuated switches numbered from 120 through 130. Tone switch 120 is actuated by the security tone which is transmited continuously during each three second transmitting period. An energized transmittermay have a five minute transmission period and coded signals are transmitted during three seconds of each minute of the five minute period.

The tone actuated switches 120 through perform the signal decoding operation. The tone actuated switches have reeds which are mechanically tuned to a specific frequency, and the reeds have contacts which complete a circuit upon energiation at the resonant frequency. For example, when the drive coil 1411 of tone switch 120 is energized by a signal of the frequency to which reed 14-1 is tuned, the reed vibrates, causing intermittent closure of the normally open reed contact. Resistor 142 and capacitor 1 53 are connected across the contacts of reed 141 eifectively increasing the reed contact time. Integrating resistor 1-i4'and capacitor 145' which are coupled to security tone switch 120 prevent false operation of switch 120 due to short bursts of noise.

Resistors 148 and 150 having large values form a voltage divider for normally providing 10 volts at contact 152 of tone switch 120. This potential is applied to one terminal of the digit tone switches 121 to 1311. Contact 154 of tone switch 121} is connected through resistor 144 to a source of +9.5 volts. When security tone switch 121 is actuated by the security tone during the three second transmission period, contacts 14-1 of the switch apply the positive potential to the contacts of all digit tone switches, overcoming the negative potential normally applied. When signals are received during an alarm reception period, the particular digit tone switches which have been activated by their respective tone frequencies superimpose the intermittent digit tones on the security tone which is continuous for three seconds.

The positive voltage from each activated digit; tone switch is applied to its corresponding digit module. There are ten digit modules, through 169, and all of the modules are identical. When a module has a pulse applied from its associated digit tone switch, a voltage is applied to the associated digit solenoid in the printer 50. Each activated digit module also provides a voltage pulse for the print module 171 and the operation of the print module will be explained subsequently.

Module 160 represents digit 1 and the operation of module 1611 will be explained as an example of how all modules operate. Whenthe reed contacts of switch 1211 close intermittently through energization by a tone signal of the proper frequency, capacitor 147 discharges thru integrating resistor 146. When the junction between capacitor 147 and diode 172 rises to a potential above that" of the base of transistor 174, diode 172 is forward biased and conducts causing transistor 174 to be cut off. Transistors 174 and 176 are part of a Schmitt switch or trigger circuit, with transistor 174 being normally conducting and being cut ofi? when the contacts of switch 121 close as set forth above. Negative voltage at the collector of transistor 174', when it is cut off, is applied to the base of transistor 176 causing it to be driven to saturation. Transistor 176 is normally cut off by the bias applied through diode 1% connected to the emitter thereof. Thus, transistor 174 is cutoli and transistor 176 is saturated. Positive voitage on the collector of transistor 176 as it is driven into saturation, is applied through diode 178, lead 1819, and resistor 211) to the base of transistor 202 in print module 1'70.

The positive voltage at the collector of transistor 176 in module 160 is also applied through capacitor 184 to the base of transistor 186. Transistors 186 and 188 form a solenoid driver amplifier with transistor 186. being normally conducting and holding transistor 188 out off. Diode 196 in the emitter circuit. of transistor188 maintains a 0.6 volt bias on transistor 188 thereby causing the transistor to be held at cutofi prior to reception of a tone by tone module circuit 166. Voltage applied through capacitor 184 drives transistor 186 to cutotf. Negative voltage at the collector of transistor 186 as it is driven to cutofi is applied to the base of transistor 188 driving it from a cutoff state to saturation. Current from the collector of transistor ilfifiwhen it conducts is applied through lead 19% to energize the coil 192 of one of the solenoids 615. This is illustrated as the solenoid coupled to the digit 1 in printer 50.

The duration of each transmitted digit tone is 520 milliseconds and after this time, transistors 17d and 1 75 return to their normal condition. Capacitor 184 andits associated circuit provide a short R-C time thereby allowing transistors and 188' to return to their normal condition approximately 50 milliseconds after transistor 174 was triggered. Thus, the duration of the solenoid pulse is limited to 51} milliseconds. Diode 1% in parallel with capacitor 200 provides damping for digit solenoid 192 thereby avoiding any transient etlects from interruption of the solenoid current.

Print module 170, it will be remembered, was activated by a pulse from transistor 176 in digit module 161 The purpose of print module 1711 is to ultimately provide an energizing pulse for print solenoid 52 in printer 511. There are two Schmitt switch circuits in print module 170. One Schmitt switch circuit includes transistors 202 and 20d and the other Schmitt switch circuit includes transistors 206 and 208. Transistor 292 normally is conducting and transistor. 204- is normally cutoff.

When a, pulse from a digit module similar to module 161} is applied through, diode 178, lead 181),. and resistor 210 to the base of transistor 2112, it is driven to cutotf and transistor 204: becomes saturated. The negative voltage. at the collector of transistor 2112 as it is driven tocutofl has no eflect on. transistor 2116 although the collector of transistor 202 is coupled through capacitor 212 to thebase of transistor 296, because transistor 2% is already at saturation. Capacitor 182 connected to the base of transistor 202' is charged rapidly when a positive pulse is applied from a digit module. However, when no pulse is present, the charge on capacitor 132 leaks off slowly through resistor 214. The delay time of capacitor 182 and. resistor 214 is such that transistor 202 is cutoff for approximately 1.5 seconds and during this time the digit solenoids are activated. If a pulse is not applied during 1.5 seconds while transistor 2192 is cutoff, capacitor 182 is discharged and transistors 202 and 21% return to their normal condition with transistor 202 conducting and transistor 204 cutoff.

The positive voltage at the collector of transistor 202 as it resumes saturation, is coupled through capacitor 212 to the base of normally conducting transistor 206 driving it to cutoff. The RC time of capacitor 212 and its associated load resistors hold transistor 206 at cutoff for approximately 50 milliseconds. The negative volt age at the collector of transistor 206 as it is cutoff is applied to the base of transistor 208, driving it to saturation. Collector current therefore flows through transistor 208 for 50 milliseconds, the length of time transistor 206 is cutoff, and the alarm relay 216 and the print solenoid 52 are energized by this current. Diode 218 connected to the collector of transistor 208 provides damping of transients in the print solenoid circuit.

Collector current from transistor 208 flows through diode 220, resistor 222, and the red failure indicating lamp 34. Thus, lamp 34 is lighted and the coil of relay 216 is energized. When relay 216 energizes, contacts 224 are closed thereby completing the circuit to the external arm connected to terminals 228 and 229. Contacts 226 of relay 216 complete a '33 volt circuit through contacts 227 of switch 36 to maintain energization of the coil of relay 216. When reset button 36 is pressed, the 33 volt circuit is interrupted thus extinguishing failure lamp 34 and deenergizing the external alarm circuitry. Diode 220 isolates the holding cricuit of relay 216 from holding the print solenoid energized continuously.

When the pulse from digit module 160 is applied through lead 19% to digit solenoid 192 in the printer 50, mechanical setting of a digit pin in the digit register occurs in the manner described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus, the first digit pin selected corresponds to the first digit of the identification code number of the actuated transmitter. As succeeding pulses are applied from other digit modules, digit pins are set which correspond to the second and third digits of the identification code number. Thus, energization of the solenoids provides digit registration which is normally accomplished through manual actuation of keys on the keyboard of standard adding machines.

After the digit pins provide registration of all of the digits in the code number, and there are no further tone signals for a period of 1.5 seconds, print module 170 energizes the print solenoid 52 and contacts 230 and 232 are operated. Operation of solenoid 52 causes normally closed contacts 232 to open and normally open contacts 230 to close. The opening of contacts 232 interrupts the return for the digit solenoid through lead 234 to the 33 volt supply, thereby preventing operation of any of the digit solenoids during the printing cycle. With the closing of contacts 230, alternating current voltage is applied from lead 236 to the motor 238 which drives the print mechanism 240. The speed of motor 238 is controlled by centrifugal governor switch 242. When the motor 238 overspeeds, switch 242 inserts resistor 244 in series with the motor circuit, shorting out the resistor when it returns to its normal speed. Capacitor 246 minimizes arcing at the contacts of governor 242 and at contacts 230. A cam actuated by motor 238 holds contacts 230 and 232 in the operated position for the printing cycle. The number which is printed thus corresponds to the received code signals and the location of the power failure may be ascertained.

It may be desired to print the time when an alarm came in immediately following the code locating the source of the alarm. This may be accomplished by a circuit as shown in FIG. 5 including a clock 250 which controls the movable contacts of a plurality of contact levels 251, 252, and 253. A number of contact levels is represented by the dotted box 253. The levels rep resent ditferent units of time, and two levels may be used to provide a two digit number. For example, two digits may indicate the month, two digits the day, two further digits the hour, and two more digits the minute. Each of the levels may include ten positions with the corresponding positions of all the levels being wired together and wired to the digit modules to 169 inclusive. Only the connections from the No. 1 and No. 2 positions are shown connected to digit modules 160 and 161 respectively through lines 160a and 161a. The lines from the No. 3 to No, 10 positions are numbered 162a to 16% and will be similarly connected to digit modules 162 to 169 respectively.

The clock circuit may be connected to the printer and actuated by print solenoid 52. A stepping switch 261 is provided having a set of eight contacts 262 which are engaged selectively to apply positive potential in turn to the arms of the levels 251, 252, and 253. Operation of the stepping switch is initiated through action of contacts 260 of solenoid 52, and the switch continues until all contacts 262 are energized in turn. Accordingly, the contact of each level which is engaged by the clock controlled movable contact will be energized, with the contacts of the different levels 251, 252, 253 being energized in turn to control the digit modules to print a series of numbers which correspond to the time represented by the positions of the movable contacts of the various levels. In the example previously given, eight levels would be required to provide two digits each for the month, day, hour and minute. This would cause the solenoids 192 to be enrgized in the manner previously described to set up the numbers representing the time.

After the last element of the time is transmitted and the required time interval passes, the print module will actuate the solenoid 52 in the manner previously described to cause the number to be printed. In order that the clock circuit would not be actuated again when the contact 260 of solenoid 52 closes to print the time, a delay circuit 263 'is coupled to the stepping switch 261 to prevent this switch from starting again for a predetermined time interval.

Thus, the invention provides a decoder-printer which is highly reliable, compact, and which may be used in a radio alarm system. Signals from the decoder are provided to actuate solenoids which operate the printer. The printer prints the identification code number of the actuated transmitter and also provides a visual or aural alarm.

We claim:

1. A decoder circuit responsive to intermittent tone signals superimposed on a reference tone signal to represent particular digits, said decoder circuit including in combination, input circuit means, a plurality of tone actuated switches responsive to particular tone frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to a particular tone actuated switch, print module means including a storage circuit coupled to said digit modules, and output means coupled to said digit modules and to said print module means, said input circuit means applying the received tone signals thereof to said tone actuated switches for selective energization, said digit modules receiving pulse signals from said tone actuated switches and applying signals to said storage circuit and to said output signal means, said storage circuit causing said print module means to apply a pulse signal to said output signal means when a signal is not received from said digit modules after a predetermined time.

2. In a radio alarm system for indicating failures on an electric power network, a decoder circuit responsive to tone signals of different frequencies representing particular digits, said decoder circuit including, in combination, input circuit means for receiving the tone signals, a plurality of switches responsive to particular tone signal frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to a particular switch and providing an energizing pulse signal upon actuation by said switch, print module means coupled to said digit modules, and output signal means coupled to said digit modules and to said print module means, said input circuit means applying the tone signals to said switches for selective energization thereof according to the frequency of the tone signals, said digit modules receivingan energizing pulse from said switches and applying signals simultaneously to said print module means and to said output signal means, said pirnt module means applying a printing pulse to said output signal means at a predetermined time interval after signals are received from said digit modules.

3. Decoder apparatus responsive to input tone signals representing particular digits, said apparatus including, in combination, input circuit means, a plurality of tone actuated switches responsive to particular tone frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit pulse circuits, each coupled to a particular tone actuated switch, print circuit means coupled to said digit pulse circuits and output signal means coupled to said digit pulse circuits and to said print circuit means, said tone actuated switches being selectively energized according to the frequency of the applied tone signals and providing pulse signals to said digit pulse circuits, said digit pulse circuits providing corresponding energizing pulses to said output signal means and to said print circuit means, said print circuit means providing a printing pulse to said output signal means when energizing pulse signals are not received from said digit pulse circuits within a predetermined time.

4. Apparatus for making a recording of received code signals, including in combination, a decoder circuit responsive to intermittent tone signals which represent particular digits, said decoder circuit including amplifier means, a plurality of tone actuated switches, each selectively responsive to a particular tone frequency and coupled to said amplifier means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to one of said tone actuated switches, print module means coupled to said digit modules, and a printer mechanism for registering and printing digits including a plurality of digit register means for diiferent digits, a plurality ,of digit solenoids responsive to energizing pulses, each of said solenoids having a plunger positioned to actuate, one of said digit register means, motor means for printing the digits of the operated register means, and a print solenoid for actuating said motor means to print the digits registered on said digit register means, said amplifier means amplifying the tone signals and applying the amplified signals to said tone actuated switches for selective energization according to the frequency of the applied tone signals, said digit modules each including a transistor switch circuit with a pair of transistors each having base, emitter and collector electrodes, one of said transistors being normally conducting and the other transistor being normally cutoff, a first capacitor coupled between said base electrode of said one transistor and a reference potential, a pulse amplifier circuit including a pair of transistors having base, emitter and collector electrodes, a second capacitor coupled between said collector electrode of said other transistor of said switch circuit and said base electrode of one transistor of said amplifier circuit, means connecting said tone actuated switches to said first capacitors of the associated digit modules to cause said one transistor of said switch circuit to be cutoff and said other transistor thereof to conduct, said second capacitor applying potential from said switch circuit to said one transistor of said amplifier circuit causing the same to be cutoff and said other transistor thereof to conduct, means connecting said collector electrode of said other transistor of said amplifier circuit to the corresponding digit solenoid to apply a pulse signal thereto to actuate the associated digit register means, said print module means including second and third transistor switch circuits, said second and third transistor switch circuits each including first and second transistors having base, emitter, and Collector electrodes, with said first transistor being normally conducting and said second transistor be ing normally non-conducting, a third capacitor coupled between said base electrode of said first transistor of said second switch circuit and a reference point, discharge means coupled to said third capacitor, means applying pulses from said first transistor switch circuits of said digit modules to said third capacitor to charge the same during reception of input signals thereby causing said first transistor of said first switch circuit to be cutoff, a fourth capacitor coupled between said collector electrode of said first transistor of said second switch circuit and said first transistor of said second switch circuit and said third base electrode of said first transistor of said third switch circuit, and output means coupled to said collector electrode of said second transistor of said third switch circuit, said fourth capacitor being charged in a predetermined time interval when said third capacitor discharges through said discharge means to cause said first transistor of said third switch circuit to be cutolf and said second transistor thereof to conduct, and means connecting said collector electrode of said second transistor of said third switch circuit to said cause actuation thereof and the printing of solenoid to print the registered digits of the received code number.

5. Apparatus for making a recording of received code signals including in combination, a decoder circuit responsive to intermittent tone signals representing particular digits superimposed on a reference signal, said decoder circuit including input circuit means, a plurality of tone actuated switches responsive to particular tone frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to one of said tone actuated switches, print module means coupled to said digit modules, and a printer mechanism for registering and printing digits including a plurality of digit register means for different digits, a plurality of digit solenoids responsive to energizing pulses and each having a plunger positioned to actuate one of said digit register means, said solenoids being coupled to said digit modules for corresponding digits, motor means for printing the digits of the operated register means, and a print'solenoid for actuating said motor means to print the digits registered on said digit register means, said input circuit means applying the tone signals to said tone actuated switches for selective energization according to the frequency of the applied tone signals, said digit modules each including a transistor switch circuit, each of said tone actuated switches applying signals to said switch circuit of said digit module for the digit involved to cause switching action, an amplifier circuit coupled to said switch circuit of each digit module and to said solenoid coupled thereto to operate said solenoid and actuate the associated digit register means, said print module means including first and second transistor switch circuits, means applying pulses from said transistor switch circuits of said digit modules to said first transistor switch circuit of said print module means, means coupling said second switch circuit of said print module means to said first switch circuit thereof to cause said second switch circuit to operate at a time interval after the last operation of said first switch circuit, and means connecting said print solenoid to said second switch circuit of said print module means to actuate said print solenoid and print the registered digits and thereby record the code number.

6. Apparatus for making a recording of received code signals including in combination, a decoder circuit responsive to intermittent tone signals which represent particular digits, said decoder circuit including input circuit means, a pluralty of tone actuated switches responsive to particular tone frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to one of said tone actuated switches, print module means coupled to said digit modules, and a printer mechanism for registering and printing digits including a plurality of digit register means for dtferent digits, a plurality of digit solenoids responsive to energizing pulses, each of said solenoids having a plunger positioned to actuate one of said digit register means, each of said solenoids being coupled to one of said digit modules for corresponding digits, motor means for printing the digits of the operated register means, and a print solenoid for actuating said motor means to print the digits registered on said digit register means, said input circuit means applying the tone signals to said tone actuated switches for selective energization according to the frequency of the applied tone signals, said digit modules each including a transistor switch circuit, each of said tone actuated switches applying signals to said switch circuit of said digit module for the digit involved to cause switching action, a pulse amplifier circuit coupled between said switch circuit of each digit module and its associated solenoid to control the operation thereof and the actuation of the particular digit register means, said print module means including first and second transistor switch circuits, means applying pulses from said transistor switch circuits of said digit modules to said first transistor switch circuit of said print module means, means couplng said second switch circuit of said print module means to said first switch circuit thereof to cause said second switch circuit to operate at a time interval after the last operation of said first switch circuit, means connecting said print solenoid to said second switch circuit of said print module means to actuate said print solenoid for starting said motor means to print the registered digits and thereby record the code number, and clock means actuated by said print solenoid, said clock means including a plurality of conductors connected to said digit modules and selectively energized in accordance with the time to actuate said digit modules and to thereby operate said digit solenoids, with said print solenoid operating after said time interval to print a number representing the time.

7. Apparatus for making a recording of received code signals including in combination, a decoder circuit responsive to intermittent tone signals which represent particular digits, said decoder circuit including input circuit means, a plurality of tone actuated switches responsive to particular tone frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to one of said tone actuated switches, print module means coupled to said digit modules, and a printer mechanism for registering and printing digits including a plurality of digit register means for diiferent digits, a plurality of digit solenoids responsive to energizing pulses and each having a plunger positioned to actuate one of said digit register means, first and second mounting plates for supporting said solenoids therebetween and providing a common magnetic return path for said solenoids, said solenoids being coupled to said digit modules for corresponding digits and being actuated thereby, motor means for printing the digits of the operated register means, and a print solenoid for actuating said motor means to print the digits registered on said digit register means, said input circuit means applying the tone signals to said tone actuated switches for selective energization according to the frequency of the applied tone signals to thereby operate said digit modules and said solenoids coupled thereto to actuate the associated digit register means, said print module means being coupled to said digit modules and operating at a time interval after the last operation of one of said digit modules, means connecting said print solenoid to said print module means to actuate said print solenoid and print the registered digits and thereby record the code number, and clock means including a plurality of conductors representing digits of a number corresponding to time, means coupling said clock means to said print solenoid to actuate said clock means when a code number is recorded, and means coupling said conductors to said digit modules to thereby cause said number representing time to be registered and printed by said printer mechanism.

8. Apparatus for making a recording of received code signals including in combination, a decoder circuit responsive to intermittent tone signals which represent particular digits, said decoder circuit including input circuit means, a plurality of tone actuated switches responsive to particular tone frequencies and coupled to said input circuit means, a plurality of digit modules each coupled to one of said tone actuated switches, print module means coupled to said digit modules, and a printer mechanism for registering and printing digits including a plurality of digit register means for diferent digits, a plurality of digit solenoids responsive to energizing pulses and each having a plunger positioned to actuate one of said digit register means, said solenoids being coupled to said digit modules for corresponding digits and being actuated thereby, motor means for printing the digits of the operated register means, and a print solenoid for actuating said motor means to print the digits registered on said digit register means, said input circuit means applying the tone signals to said tone actuated switches for selective energization according to the frequency of the applied tone signals to thereby operate said digit modules and said solenoids coupled thereto to actuate the associated digit register means, said print module means being coupled to said digit modules and operating at a time interval after the last operation of one of said digit modules, means connecting said print solenoid to said print module means to actuate said print solenoid and print the registered digits and thereby record the code number, and clock means including a plurality of conductors representing digits of a number corresponding to time, means coupling said clock means to said print solenoid to actuate said clock means when a code number is recorded, means coupling said conductors to said digit modules to thereby cause said number representing time to be registered and printed by said printer mechanism, and delay means coupled to said clock means to prevent a second actuation of said clock means within a predetermined time period.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,972,980 9/1934 Dake 346-34 2,309,660 2/1943 Muehter 34634 2,513,360 7/1950 Rahmel 325-311 2,548,446 4/1951 Preston et a1. 178-4 2,617,872 11/ 1952 Herrick 340-156 2,687,937 8/1954 Cooper et a1. 346-141 2,755,161 7/1956 Rahmel 346-37 2,779,654 1/ 1957 Williamson 346-33 2,863,711 12/ 1958 Hurvitz.

2,951,951 9/ 1960 Morgan 307-885 2,956,168 10/1960 Pinckaers 307-885 X 2,965,433 12/1960 Alpert et al. 346-37 3,008,057 11/1961 Campbell, Jr. 307-885 3,020,418 2/ 1962 Emile, Jr. 307-885 3,051,956 8/1962 Theobald 346-141 FOREIGN PATENTS 786,904 11/ 1957 Great Britain.

LEO SMILOW, Primary Examiner.

B. MILLER, R. H. ROSE, LEYLAND M. MARTIN,

Examiners, 

1. A DECODER CIRCUIT RESPONSIVE TO INTERMITTENT TONE SIGNALS SUPERIMPOSED ON A REFERENCE TONE SIGNAL TO REPRESENT PARTICULAR DIGITS, SAID DECODER CIRCUIT INCLUDING IN COMBINATION, INPUT CIRCUIT MEANS, A PLURALITY OF TONE ACTUATED SWITCHES RESPONSIVE TO PARTICULAR TONE FREQUENCIES AND COUPLED TO SAID INPUT CIRCUIT MEANS, A PLURALITY OF DIGIT MODULES EACH COUPLED TO A PARTICULAR TONE ACTUATED SWITCH, PRINT MODULE MEANS INCLUDING A STORAGE CIRCUIT COUPLED TO SAID DIGIT MODULES, AND OUTPUT MEANS COUPLED TO SAID DIGIT MODULES AND TO SAID PRINT MODULE MEANS, SAID INPUT CIRCUIT MEANS APPLYING THE RECEIVED TONE SIGNALS THEREOF TO SAID TONE ACTUATED SWITCHES FOR SELECTIVE ENERGIZATION, SAID DIGIT MODULES RECEIVING PULSE SIGNALS FROM SAID TONE ACTUATED SWITCHES AND APPLYING SIGNALS TO SAID STORAGE CIRCUIT AND TO SAID OUTPUT SIGNAL MEANS, SAID STORAGE CIRCUIT CAUSING SAID PRINT MODULE MEANS TO APPLY A PULSE SIGNAL TO SAID OUTPUT SIGNAL MEANS WHEN A SIGNAL IS NOT RECEIVED FROM SAID DIGIT MODULES AFTER A PREDETERMINED TIME. 